Germany eye group win and 'home' advantage

Germany can kill two birds with one stone by winning their final Euro 2012
Group B game against Denmark - clinching top spot and setting up a quarter-final
at their home base in Gdansk.

The Germans are in the driving seat after edging Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday
to move on to six points with two wins from two matches and are just one point
away from winning the group.buy jordan shoes

A victory against the Danes, who have three points along with Portugal, in
Lviv on June 17 would ensure they would play the second team from Group A in a
last-eight clash in Gdansk, a stone's throw their team hotel in the lush suburb
of Oliwa.

"Winning the group will be very important because we would be staying in
Gdansk for our quarter-final match," said Germany coach Joachim Loew. "That
would be an advantage for us."

Germany play all their group games in Ukraine, meaning they are travelling
several thousand miles from their Baltic sea base in the Polish port city.

Wednesday's win over old rivals Netherlands in Kharkiv was played in hot and
humid conditions, draining Loew's players.

"The temperatures were extreme," he said. "It was an intense game and there
were phases where both teams were robbed of any dynamism."

SECOND STEP

The three-time European champions are looking for their first title victory
since 1996.

"Each win gives us a push. We took the second step but we also want to win
against Denmark. That is what we demand from us," said midfielder Bastian
Schweinsteiger.

'Schweini' is finding top form after a thigh injury in May and a broken
collar bone and ankle problem earlier this year.

Loew said he would not reshuffle his team against the Danes but he must
replace right back Jerome Boateng, who is suspended for the final group match
following a booking on Wednesday.

"There are options for that. (Captain) Philipp Lahm could return to the right
and I would bring in Marcel Schmelzer on the left. Lars Bender could also play
on the right," said the 52-year-old Loew.

"We still need points. We cannot rely on Portugal and Netherlands drawing,"
said Loew. "That is why I will not make many changes apart from maybe the odd
player who could need a rest so that, if we make it, they will be fresh for the
last eight."